In Their Own Words

November 08, 1847

Growth of Masons Recorded

Georgia founder James Oglethorpe is credited with helping organize the first Masonic lodge in Georgia. Just over 100 years later, on Oct. 26, Atlanta got its first lodge. On Nov. 8, New York emigrant and Atlanta teacher Dr. William N. White commented on the growing strength of Freemasonry in in the state:

“Here in Georgia, Masonry is as flourishing as in the palmiest days. All the state offices, and all the posts on the railroads are entirely monopolized by the fraternity.”

Source: Franklin M. Garrett, Atlanta and Environs: A Chronicle of Its People and Events (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1969 reprint of 1954 original volume), p. 250.